Browsing by Author "Iregren, A"

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    Exponering för aluminium i smältverk Effekter på nervsystemet
    (Arbetslivsinstitutet, 1997) Iregren, A; Sjögren, B; Andersson, M; W Frech; Hagman, M; Johansson, L; A Wennberg
    The purpose of this investigation was to study nervous system function in workers exposed to aluminium at a foundry and a primary smelter. The aim was to find a level of aluminium in urine and/or blood where no early signs of effects on the nervous system could be observed. A total of 119 men with a minimum of five years of occupational aluminium exposure were studied at two companies. Exposure to aluminium was determined using questionnaires as well as blood and urine samples. The functional status of the central nervous system was assessed using psychological performance tests, neurophysiological tests, and symptom questionnaires. Six performance tests from the SPES battery, measuring attention, motor functions, memory, and intellectual functions, were used. As a complement, three other tests of motor functions were included; a peg-board test, parts of the Luria-Nebraska Motor Scale, and a computerized test of handtremor. The neurophysiological tests were EEG, P300, diadochokinesometri. No effects from the aluminium exposure could be observed on any of the measures. The level of aluminium in blood and urine was, however, very low. Only 10 of the 119 workers had levels in urine exceeding 10 µg/l. Our findings are in accordance with those from previous studies on the neurotoxic effects from low level occupational exposure to aluminium.
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    Exponering för flingformat aluminiumpulver Effekter på nervsystemet
    (Arbetslivsinstitutet, 1999) Iregren, A; Sjögren, B; Gustafsson, K; Hagman, M; W Frech; Ljunggren, K G; Wennberg, A
    Exposure to aluminium flake powder: Effects on the nervous system. A small group of aluminium flake powder producers was studied with psychological and neurophysiological tests and with symptom questionnaires. The flake powder producers were compared to groups with varying degrees of aluminium exposure, i.e. welders, potroom workers, and foundry workers. Comparisons were also made to a group of welders with no exposure to aluminium. The exposure was measured by blood and urine samples as well as questionnaires. The flake powder producers had considerably higher levels of aluminium in urine compared to the other groups, possibly indicating an increased body burden. In spite of this finding, no aluminium related effects on the CNS were observed in any of the tests or questionnaires. However, the high aluminium levels observed in urine indicate a possible risk for negative effects when exposure is prolonged. Therefore, the aluminium exposure should be reduced by improvements in the work environment.